What is STEM, really?  We can simply answer that it is the compilation of the four disciplines, but what makes our  more recent dedication to teaching STEM different?

As we think about that change, consider how the emphasis or rationale for learning changes. Here are two learning designs:

Traditional Model

• Teach basic concepts of electromagnetism

• Students do an experiment with making an electromagnet

• The teacher may give examples of applications of this technology

STEM, Contextual Method

• Teacher offers issue, problem or story that meeds a STEM solution.

• Students inquire, are led to exploration, experiment, and draw conclusions

• The teacher provides content background and or process/skills/content support as needed during the explorations. STEM content becomes a utility to helping understand and solve the problem.

• Students come full circle and use their findings to inform the problem.

So, give your perspective about STEM curriculum: mjaeger@eou.edu

Go on to the next module